Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"One of the pleasures of writing for Jazz Views is having the opportunity to follow the progress of an artist with each new release. It has been my very great pleasure to follow Lush Jazz Band's progress over the last few years. Having reviewed Lauren’s debut album, in 2016 and the follow-up, five years later, it was with great interest that I listened to her third album. If you’re looking for continued growth and artistic development in a musician, then Lauren has certainly delivered. Earlier today, prior to writing this review, I listened again to all three albums back-to-back and was amazed at what I was hearing. Listening in such a concentrated way, I was struck by how consistent each of the albums is and how the vocalist’s progress is not taking place with gargantuan leaps but steadily, as we can see here, in a paced and sustainable development. One huge advantage for Lauren is retaining the services of pianist Liam Dunachie, who arranges much of the music, and the two have built a solid rapport that has resulted in a formidable partnership. With “Tide Rises,” Lauren Bush has found a perfect balance between the old and the new, with a couple of strong original compositions, a handful of standards, and some contemporary works that she has done a wonderful job of adapting to her voice. The album gets off to a stunning start with a brisk and swinging “Joy Spring.” The tricky lyrics are handled with great aplomb by Bush, and after a lovely solo from Dunachie, she gets in a nice scat chorus of her own. This is followed by the title track, one of two original compositions, in which Lauren has drawn inspiration for the lyrics from the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Played over an ethereal opening from Rhodes and guitar (and the only song to feature electric bass), the music evolves over a gentle tempo with an empowering delivery from Lauren. The other original, “Easy Does It,” has a relaxed, almost lazy tempo, and Lauren has written lyrics that add to the gospel flavor of the music. Versatility and variety being the name of the game, we are treated to a beautiful bossa nova written by Earl Okin titled “Madrugada,” and Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game” is given a delightful treatment, with some exquisite playing from all. The music flows in a beguiling manner, and Mitchell’s lyrics are given a sensitive reading by the vocalist. Standards have been a constant inspiration for Lauren, and with the depth of maturity that she has gained in the last few years, I have witnessed her raise her game significantly. It is difficult to pick one over another. Her treatment of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” is flawless and joyous, with a lovely scat solo too, and “Nobody Else But Me” has a charm all of its own. If proof is needed of Bush’s stature as a jazz vocalist, then take a listen to the ballad performance on “This Is Always.” A duet for voice and piano, this is a pure delight and even, dare I say it, surpasses the duo’s reading of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” which was such a highlight of her last album, “Dream Away.” Closing with another contemporary tune, this time from the pop duo Yazoo, Lauren and Liam Dunachie cleverly recast Vince Clarke’s song, with Lauren giving the excellent Alison Moyet a run for her money. Another step forward for Lauren in a hugely enjoyable set that sees her setting the bar increasingly higher."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were introduced to Jean through Sarah-Jane 2 days before our wedding day. Jean was an outstanding Harpist and a pleasure to deal with. She arrived well ahead of the time to ensure she wasn't late and called me in advanced. Highly talented and skilled Harpist and an elegant musician. Happy to recommend her to anyone. I should also thank Sarah-Jane for being so helpful. You'll be in safe hands when dealing wit her and she makes sure she delivers. Everything was done promptly and professionally. Communication was excellent and made us feel at ease."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

""Rory was great as always." Tim, London (Russell Square), December, 2018"

Reply by Rory
Cool, thanks Pete.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were absolutely delighted to have booked the MB's to play at our wedding reception. The standard was exceptional and the band had provided an extensive repertoire from which we were able to highlight our favoured songs. The band also had recordings of some numbers on sound cloud so that we could learn a first dance to the exact arrangement that they were to play on the night. It couldn’t have been easier – in the end we chose to charleston to “I want to be like you” which was fun and went down extremely well. I liaised with Chris mainly via email, but chatted on the phone nearer to the day so that arrangements could be finalised, nothing was too much trouble and the band was a real highlight. The keyboard player was booked earlier to play the piano during the meal and their set up was efficient. The band had travelled from Yorkshire to London to play and they might be making the journey down the A1 more frequently as several guests at the wedding have been asking for their contact details, and all thank you letters have commented on their stunning performance, the dance floor was filled all night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely fantastic. Naomi played beautifully at our wedding, she travelled to our venue and played perfectly with a pianist she’d never even met, it sounded amazing, our guests all loved it and commented on how polite and friendly she was. Really would recommend her."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Jessica and band members, I wanted to thank you all for the amazing performance you gave last Thursday night at the event - it was a long shot with my client and it paid off and they were absolutely delighted and the feedback from them and their guests was amazing so thank you all very much indeed. It was lovely to meet you and I hope I will be in touch again to book you for another event. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys are not just very accomplished musicians with many years of performing experience, but thoroughly nice blokes too. They will entertain you, amuse you and most definitely impress you!!! A show not to be missed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Jess, We have had so many great comments regarding last night! Everyone has said what a great voice you have and how much the enjoyed your performance. From Ruth and myself, a big thank you for making our night special and enjoyable All the very best Kind regards David"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Headlining at the Festival of Colours, Latina Festivale brought the South-American summer vibes with smooth vocals and tight melodies. The band were easy to work with, and we would book again."

Reply by Rory
Hi Natalie, I hope you have enjoyed your week. Thank you very much for your feedback for [Latina Festivale] on 23/03/2024, perfect and much appreciated! I would like to once again thank you for the opportunity, and I send you my warmest wishes. All the best, Rory

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent performer would highly recommend. Thank you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Now that we're back from honeymoon and getting into the swing of things again, we thought it was time to sart thanking the many people who helped to make our day - and evening - so special. You and the band were amazing! Such a fantastic sound and a wonderful set - including the horn section on "All You Need Is Love" - made for a night we'll all remember for the rest of our lives. Our guests and Jamie at Micklefield Hall have all commented on what a fantastic band Count Down To Swing are. Thank you so much for being so flexible, so lovely to deal with - but most of all thank you so much for the wonderful music!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the most amazing wedding and the band were fantastic and we had so many comments from our guests on how good they were! Thank you for making our wedding extra special, we all had the best time dancing our socks off to MIB - AMAZING!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swing Outs were professional, courteous and easy to deal with. Their live jazz music provided the perfect backdrop for a convivial evening. Would recommend highly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to email to let you know how fantastic I thought you all were on Sunday. From the first time Paul showed me your wesbite, to seeing you perform a sample set many months ago, I knew you guys would be outstanding and you definitely lived up (and surpassed) my expectations. Sera, your solo song ‘Ive Dreamed of You’ during the ceremony was incredibly moving. The string quartet and the pianist were pure class, all three sets from MIB were perfect and uplifting, Lindsays’ Budda Bar sax set was amazing and the rock set certainly rocked the Langham! Everyone I spoke to throughout the night commented on the music and how fantastic you all were. There was something for everyone and it was a delight to see the dance floor full all night long. After months of planning the day flew past so quickly but the memories will last a lifetime. I cannot wait to see the video footage later this summer. Thank you for making Paul and Amy’s day so memorable."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"All I can say is that we can’t wait to work with this band again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: